There are days when my MS and Lupus make me feel so tired and when there is so much pain. On days like this, I need to allow myself to rest and relax. These type of days are the perfect opportunity to open a good book and spend some time reading. There certainly is no shortage of good books available to read, but I'd like to encourage you to use times when you are recovering from a "flare" to read classics by authors like Lewis and Tolkien - these books are "epics" and a flare is a great time to read something "epic"! Consider some of the following books -
HarperCollins/Zondervan
The Chronicles of Narnia
Author - C.S. Lewis
The Narnia books are perfect for readers of any age as they encourage imagination while they transport you to a land and "time" you can actually "picture". Lewis wrote with such detail and creativity - his stories are loved and will continue to be so as new readers discover his "land"! Tremendously well done, Lewis and HarperCollins/Zondervan!
- Favorite Features -
- includes all seven Narnia books in one volume
- books are presented in the order C.S. Lewis preferred they be read as opposed to the order they were written
- Allows the reader to "journey" from start to finish through the entire story for a complete "picture"
Houghton Mifflin
Silmarillion
Author - J.R.R. TolkienFor those who loved the Lord of the Rings movies and books, this book gives added insight and understanding to the world of Tolkien! Tremendously well done, Tolkien and Houghton Mifflin!
- Favorite Features -
- Sets the stage with the "history" of the "things that were" before the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings
- Author writes with amazing imagery and brings his imagination to life
The Unfinished Tales
of Numenor and
Middle-earth
Author - J.R.R. TolkienAny person who finds Tolkien's books enjoyable will love these additional stories that give depth to familiar characters and more "color" to Tolkien's overall story of Middle-earth! Tremendously well done, Tolkien and Houghton Mifflin!
- Favorite Features -
- These "tales" fill in details to give the reader a richer and deeper understanding and enjoyment of the "history" and stories of Middle-earth.
Wiley Publications
Origins of Tolkien's
Middle-earth
for Dummies
Author - Greg HarveyAnyone who enjoys Tolkien's world of Middle-earth will appreciate this book as it brings clarity and understanding from Tolkien's world of Middle-earth to our world! Excellent source of information to the languages of Middle-earth, this book is an absolute must-have for anyone who wants to better understand the messages Tolkien put in his books! Tremendously well done, Harvey and Wiley!
- Favorite Features -
- "cheat sheet" and eTips
- must-have guide to Tolkien's writings
- this book walks you through the geogrphy, beings, history, themes and languages of Tolkien's writings
Japanese for Dummies
Author - Eriko Sato
Chinese for Dummies
Wendy Abraham
- Favorite Features -
- books include a cd with dialogues to help with learning how to speak these languages
- focus on teaching for everyday conversations by learning with everyday conversations
- information on culture and taboos - great information for those who travel to these countries
- cheat sheets are helpful
- teaches conversation for small talk, eating, shopping, travel, recreation/sports, talking on the phone, work/home, money and emergencies
- "power of tens" - excellent
- mini-dictionaries are very helpful
A flare is a great time to learn a new language, or at least to look one over and maybe pick out a couple fun phrases to learn! These books are extremely well written for the everyday person so they can learn everyday languages! Extremely well done, Eriko, Wendy and Wiley!
Sterling Publications
Along with reading classics from Lewis and Tolkien and books that are simply to be enjoyed, books that challenge and encourage the reader on a spiritual level make excellent choices when recuperating from a flare. Consider these books -
500 Baskets
1000 Glass Beads
These books inspire creativity and leave all who see them amazed with the incredible design, detail and workmanship. A true joy to look through the pages of these books! Tremendously well done, Sterling Publications. Great books to enjoy when you just want to relax!
- Favorite Features -
- 500 photos of amazing baskets and 1000 photos of unique glass creations
- each photo includes the name of the artist and the supplies they used to make their creation
Baker Books
Useless Beauty
Author - Robert JohnstonThis book will make you think! I like how it challenges us to look for God in our world, especially like the chapter on, Signs, Can God be in this? Tremendously well done, Robert and Baker!
- Favorite Features -
- uses seven main movies to walk the reader through the book of Ecclesiastes
- surprisingly easy to read and interesting as well
A Life that Says Welcome
Author - Karen EhmanThis is book encourages the reader to think about how they can be hospitable and serve others - great thing to plan when you are experiencing a flare and then carry out when the flare is past! Tremendously well done, Karen and Baker!
- Favorite Features -
- information on decorating on a budget, putting family first, cleaning, how to show hospitality and make the most of your space as well as how to care for others in their homes
- real life examples throughout
- "welcome" ideas at the end of chapters includes recipes, homemade cleaning supplies, easy entertaining ideas, decorating on a shoestring and holiday ideas to show concern for others
Thanks for the Mammogram!
Author - Laura Jensen Walker
Combines humor, truth and information for an encouraging book anyone with breast cancer - or any illness - will appreciate. Extremely well done, Laura and Baker/Revell!
- Favorite Features -
- walks the readers through Laura's experience with cancer
- real stories throughout
Howard Publishing
What Was I Thinking?
Author - Steve BrownChallenges us to be real. I especially appreciated the chapter on God and how things will work out - I know there are many days I truly wonder if things will work out for me and if they do, how they will do so. Must read book, great book to give others you care about! Tremendously well done, Steve and Howard Publishing!
- Favorite Features -
- real stories throughout
- challenges us to move beyond theology to the truth about God and His love, people and ourselves
- easy to read
- powerful truth - this book can really impact the reader
It's a Dog-eat-Dog World
and Cats are Waiting Tables
Author - Martin Babb
Illustrator - Ron Wheeler
Each short story includes humor and a point to make you think. Extremely well done, Martin, Ron and Howard Publishing!
- Favorite Features -
- 100 uplifting lessons on following Jesus - lessons from non-humans, lessons on day-to-day living, lesson's from real people, lessons on the power of words and more
- humorous comic strip for each lesson
The Election
Author - Jerome TeelThere certainly are days when I just want to read a novel and this book was one I couldn't put down! I hope to see more books by this author! Tremendously well done, Jerome and Howard Publishing!
- Favorite Features -
- gripping legal thriller - this book captures your interest from the first page
- believable characters
- sound presentation of the Gospel
Crossway Books
Suffering and the Sovereignty of God
General Editors - John Piper and Justin Taylor
- Favorite Features -
- looks at the sovereignty of God in suffering, the purposes of God in suffering and the Grace of God in suffering
- space to personalize what the authors are teaching
- David Powlison truly understands what I feel like
I was unexpectedly amazed by this book - they understand my questions and what it feels like to experience feeling confused and overwhelmed by suffering. An absolute must-read book for any who suffer! Tremendously well done John, Justin and Crossway!
Regal Books
Addicted to God - 50 days to a more powerful relationship with God
One Life - 50 powerful devotions for students
Author - Jim Burns
- Favorite Features -
- each book includes 50 daily devotions - seven weeks on topics like, Love, Celebrate Life, God's faithful promises, encouragement, Daily Walk and more
- each devotional includes Scripture, a short devotional thought and two questions to help you think and apply
- additional Scripture for further reading
Powerful, challenging, thought provoking brief studies for any reader of any age, not just for students! Tremendously well done, Jim and Regal books!
Broadman & HolmanYou will not only not want to put this book down, you will find yourself unable to do so! This book has characters you will care about with a storyline that is frighteningly real. Ending clearly hints at a second story to follow. Tremendously well done, Marvin and Broadman & Holman!
Scimitar's Edge
Author - Marvin Olasky
- Favorite Features -
- gripping story
- characters are believable
David, 90 Days with a Heart Like His
Author - Beth Moore
- Favorite Features -
- 90 daily devotions with space to journal
- each devotion includes, Scripture to read, questions and journal space, devotional thoughts on David's life and space to journal your own prayers
Very attractive book makes a great gift! Extremely well done, Beth and Broadman & Holman!
The Holman
Illustrated Study Bible
- Favorite Features -
- 700+ color photos throughout
- Holman Christian Standard Bible for ease of understanding!
- 200 charts, maps and illustrations - in text
- words of Christ in red
- concordance, charts and indexes
- plan to read through the Bible
- introduction to each book of the Bible
The photos and features of this Bible absolutely bring it to "life"! Tremendously well done, Holman!
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Copyright © Lynda Freeman Last Updated April 29, 2007 Web Page by Lynda Freeman Send an e-mail to Lynda at LyndaFreeman@thereviewsource.net
